For as much flak as Flyers general manager turned team president Paul Holmgren gets for the roster he left current GM Ron Hextall, there was one underrated aspect of his tenure that will be quite applicable in a couple weeks.

The man found some good college free agents.

Of course, the biggest home run the Flyers hit in that pool was Matt Read, who played four years for Bemidji State University before signing in the spring of 2011. Holmgren also brought in defenseman Erik Gustafsson from Northern Michigan and winger Harry Zolnierczyk from Brown.

In a couple weeks, NCAA seasons will be over and players who are no longer eligible for the draft will sign with NHL teams as free agents. Holmgren, who traded away a lot of early-round draft picks, did well finding late-bloomers that hadn't been drafted, but played well in college.

Approaching the trade deadline earlier this month, the Flyers' pro scouts frequently met with Hextall and director of scouting Chris Pryor. That process will likely repeat soon with college scouts Ross Fitzpatrick and Wade Clarke.

Here's a look at five of those college players, in no particular order, that the Flyers might have interest in signing.

Drew Brevig

Defenseman

Ohio State University

Measurements: 6-foot-2, 194 pounds.

Age: 22

This season: 1 goal, 6 assists — 7 points

The skinny: It was reported that the Flyers scouted Brevig back in November. His frame is certainly that of an NHL player, as tends to be the case with most college free agents. Right-handed shots are a rarity in the Flyers' organization so Brevig could help in that regard.

Brevig attended prospect camps for both the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks last summer. He had more points last season (17), his first with Ohio State, but has grown his game since then and is said to be a smooth skater.

Casey Bailey

Right Wing

Penn State University

Measurements: 6-foot-3, 194 pounds.

Age: 23

This season: 22 goals, 18 assists — 40 points

The skinny: If the Flyers decide they want to be in on Bailey, there will be stiff competition. He's among the most sought-after college free agents this year because of his size and his shot. The right wing has a team-high 22 goals for Penn State this season and unlike some signees that end up in the minors and stay there, Bailey could help a team in the NHL.

A finalist to win the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's best college player, Bailey went to the Boston Bruins' development camp two summers ago. His 199 shots on goal this season ranks tops in the NCAA. Last season in a game against Michigan, he fired 11 shots on the Wolverines' goalie.

Mike Vecchione

Center

Union College

Measurements: 5-foot-10, 194 pounds.

Age: 22

This season: 18 goals, 29 assists — 47 points

The skinny: At one point this season, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms had one true center. Coach Terry Murray had a couple injured guys, Scott Laughton was up with the Flyers and winger Jason Akeson was the makeshift first line pivot.

Vecchione would help the organization's depth in that regard. A former teammate of Shayne Gostisbehere with the reigning NCAA champion Union College Dutchmen, Vecchione has the best faceoff percentage among eligible college free agents and has 47 points in 36 games.

Kenney Morrison

Defenseman

Western Michigan

Measurements: 6-foot-2, 198 pounds.

Age: 23

This season: 5 goals, 10 assists — 15 points

The skinny: Two years ago, it appeared as though the Edmonton Oilers were close to signing Morrison, but he opted to go back to school. Another right-handed D-man, Morrison is known for his cannon of a slapshot. In a game against Michigan in December 2012, he shattered a pane of glass behind the net with it. Accuracy aside, he'll be another blueliner that's sought after this spring.

The skinny: No college goalie played more than Motte this season. He started every game for Ferris State and didn't get a ton of help with the Bulldogs averaging 2.19 goals per game in front of him this season. Motte was a Hobey Baker finalist last season and could provide some depth in the Flyers' organization. If Rob Zepp signed on as Flyers backup next season, Motte could split duties between the pipes with Anthony Stolarz for the Phantoms.

Reach Dave Isaac at disaac@courierpostonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @davegisaac.